American Justin Thomas equalled the lowest score in major championship history in stunning fashion to surge into contention for the US Open at Erin Hills.

England's Tommy Fleetwood bogeyed at the last to end on -11 also, leaving American Brian Harman in pole position ahead of Sunday's final day.

Thomas fired nine birdies and an eagle on the 18th to card a nine-under-par 63 and take over the clubhouse lead on 11 under par.

The 24-year-old's score is the lowest in relation to par in the history of the US Open, surpassing the eight-under 63 carded by Johnny Miller to win at Oakmont in 1973.

And amazingly it could have been even better if not for bogeys on the fourth and 10th, as well as a missed eagle putt from six feet on the 15th after he had driven the green on the 288-yard par four.

Thomas somehow bogeyed both the fourth and the 10th (Image: Getty Images North America)

Congratulations on the 18th (Image: Getty Images North America)

Fleetwood is enjoying a magnificent week (Image: USA Today Sports)

Harman of the United States walks across the 17th hole (Image: Getty Images North America)

"The majors have a different feel and sound to the roars and to hear the crowd go crazy when I holed that putt on 18 was really cool," said Thomas, whose back-to-back wins in Hawaii in January included an opening 59 in the Sony Open.

"But more important than that was just to get myself in contention to win the tournament.

"I could not have hit that three-wood to the last (from 299 yards) any better if I tried, just a little high cut and I was very fortunate for the overnight rain for the ball to stay there.

"When I saw it was about seven feet away I knew maybe we had a chance of history."

Around 70 minutes earlier, compatriot Patrick Reed had faced a similar length putt to Thomas on the 18th to shoot eight under, but missed his birdie attempt and had to settle for a 65.

That was a 10-shot improvement on his second round and left the 26-year-old on eight under par as he seeks to turn his Ryder Cup heroics into individual success.

Patrick Reed of the United States (Image: Getty Images North America)

Fleetwood has the lead (Image: USA Today Sports)

Brian Harman of the United States (Image: Getty Images North America)

However, come the end of Day Three, it was Fleetwood and Harman who had taken charge.

Driving supremely and excellent on his approach, Fleetwood surged to the top of the leaderboard, but Harman's magnificent putting had him tied for the lead.

However, on the 18th, a pair of dismal chips left Fleetwood facing a double bogey at the last; a third, wonderful chip shot saved him however, leaving Fleetwood to end on -11 after a torrid final hole.

Harman took the last for par, to have him leading, ahead of Sunday's final round.

It is now almost certain that there will be a new Major winner, with the top 15 names on the leaderboard all having never claimed one of golf's grandest prizes.